The Dark Goddess [8]

Thank you to all of you who have the patience to read my work and I appreciate your critiques!

The fragrant scent of orchids and saltwater wafted through Josette’s open window. A shaft of warm sunlight made the dust dance and sparkle, as Jo stretched her weary limbs. Her stomach twisted in hunger, urging her out of the bed. Jo crossed over to the window, which provided a clear view of the docks. Josette searched for the dark-colored brigantine and felt an unexpected wave of relief when she saw her Father’s ship.

Her ship. It was hers, now that her father was dead. Josette turned away from the window, fighting the depression that sought to overtake her. She needed to be strong. That is what her father would expect of her and Josette would never let her father down. Repressing any doubt, Jo dressed in her black britches, loose ivory shirt, brown leather boots and weathered black tri-cornered hat. She hid a mean-looking dagger into one of her boots and strapped on her brown leather scabbard that held her steel cutlass. A small pistol was tucked into her pants and the rest of her belongings shoved into a burlap sack.

Downstairs in the tavern of the inn, she was served a simple breakfast of crusty bread and watery porridge along with a chunk of sharp cheddar. Washing it down with a pint of mead, Jo felt strengthened by the presence of her weapons and a full stomach. Pegg was probably already waiting for her at the boat. Had William managed to get the posters made as he had promised? Jo wondered just how well this plot would work out.

What if hordes of men showed up only to discover that the Captain was female? Would they turn away the instant they were told that Jo would be their head of command? And what of the other men who had deserted her so readily? What if they tried to thwart her efforts? What if one of these nights in port they decided to steal the Dark Goddess? She would talk with Pegg about guarding the ship. The Dark Goddess was all Jo had left.

As Jo made her way down to the docks, she watched the city come to life. Although drunks and animal feces littered the cobblestone roads, shopkeepers still carted out their wares. They displayed their goods, kicking at men who were passed out in front of their doorways. Jo could smell fresh bread being pulled out of the bakery’s oven and in the distance she could hear the metallic musical of the blacksmith’s hammer on his iron anvil. The prostitutes with their overly made-up faces were replaced by much simpler looking women, servants dumping out chamber pots or going to the marketplace to buy fresh produce.

The Dark Goddess was bustling with activity when Jo arrived. Heng and Joshua were busily making repairs, while Pegg and George went over what supplies they would need to replenish. Samuel was caulking the plank seams with oakum to keep the ship water tight. William was sitting on a barrel, stewing over a piece of parchment. He jumped up when he spotted Jo.

“Where is Freddie?” Jo questioned.

William shrugged. “Hasn’t shown up yet.”

“You finish those posters, yet?” Jo demanded, motioning towards the paper in William’s hand.

“No, we have to figure out the reward we’ll be offering and also how many posters we should make. I’ve figured there are about forty-five taverns in all of Port Royal and we could hang a poster in each one.”

Jo whistled. “That’s a hell of a lot of posters. Let‘s do half that, and then hope we can create some interest through word of mouth.”

“And the reward?” William trailed her as she strode towards her cabin.

“Leave that up to me, I shall have a figure before the mid-day meal. Meanwhile, why don’t you get started on those posters? I don’t want to spend more than four days in port.”

“Yes, Captain.” William nodded, turning on his heel.

“Pegg!” Jo shouted.

Pegg glanced up from the paper he was studying. “Aye?”

“Where the hell is Freddie?” His absence was starting to make her nervous. What if he had changed his mind about where his loyalties lay?

“I’m right here.” Freddie growled.

Jo snapped her head in his direction and was surprised to find him flanked by four other men and a young boy. “What is the meaning of this?” She crossed over to the strangers, her hand on her sword.

“Just some fresh recruits.” Freddie grinned crookedly.

Jo sized the men up. They all looked to be strong and able. But were they willing. “What’s your name?” She demanded of the small boy.

“Mi-Michael,” he stammered.

“You ever sailed before?”

He straightened up, daring enough to give her a glare. “I worked on my Papa’s boat for three years.”

“So why aren’t you with your father?”

“I ran away.” Michael replied proudly.

She turned to the other men. “You willing to serve under me?”

“Long as there’s food and the booty is good.” One man answered. He shamelessly stared at her breasts.

Her dagger was out of her boot and pressed against his throat before he could blink. “You might be wanting to rethink the way you look at me. Otherwise, the only way you’d be serving me is as an eunuch.”

“A what?” Michael asked, his eyes big.

“She means to cut off his manhood.” Pegg supplied, laughter in his voice.

“You understand?” Jo asked. The man nodded, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “Now, if you men really want to be serving on the Dark Goddess, I suggest you get to work.” She put her knife back in her boot. “Pegg, give these men something to do.”